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Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s film You Can See Everything has quickly established itself as one of the most talked-about movies of the year. This quasi-documentary delves into the complex story of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos and a convicted fraudster, through a series of intimate interviews conducted by Fielder with Holmes and her partner, Billy Evans. Their conversations took place shortly before Holmes began her prison sentence in 2023.
Beyond its impressive box office performance, You Can See Everything has garnered critical acclaim and emerged as a surprise contender in various award circuits. Rolling Stone’s David Fear noted, “The film’s title comes from a promise that Holmes makes to Fielder about this endeavor; she’s so serious about total transparency that she texts him the same phrase minutes later. You Can See Everything makes good on the irony behind that pledge. As for viewers, you will likely have no idea what you have just seen, besides that it’s simply, unabashedly, unashamedly brilliant.”
While the documentary opens with a recap of Holmes’ story and the rise and fall of Theranos, it refrains from diving deep into the complex financial crimes committed by the company. Instead, Fielder and Oppenheim opt to explore the peculiar dynamics between Holmes and Evans while posing existential questions about the nature of truth itself. For those unfamiliar with the backstory, a wealth of resources is available to help viewers catch up before diving into the film.
If you found yourself longing for more after watching You Can See Everything, or if you haven’t managed to secure tickets yet, here’s a guide to essential readings and viewings that will enhance your understanding of the Theranos saga.
‘Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup’
John Carreyrou’s groundbreaking book Bad Blood is a must-read for anyone looking to delve deep into Theranos’ rise and fall. Carreyrou’s investigations for The Wall Street Journal played a critical role in exposing the company’s fraudulent activities. This gripping narrative reads more like a crime novel than a legal document, effectively summarizing Theranos’ journey from inception to its unraveling. Additionally, Carreyrou hosts a podcast, Bad Blood: The Final Chapter, which details the unfolding events of Holmes’ criminal trial and can be found on any podcast platform.
Buy ‘Bad Blood’ Online
You can find the book in paperback or hardcover, and the updated edition includes additional context from the trial.
‘The Dropout’
Another compelling portrayal of Theranos is found in the miniseries The Dropout, which presents a dramatized account of Holmes’ journey and her romantic involvement with Theranos president Sunny Balwani. The series, starring Amanda Seyfried as Holmes, is referenced throughout You Can See Everything. Based on an ABC podcast of the same name hosted by Rebecca Jarvis, the podcast is also available on various platforms.
Stream ‘The Dropout’ on Hulu
You can stream all eight episodes of the miniseries on Hulu, which is available as a standalone subscription or bundled with Disney+ starting at $12.99/mo. for the ad-supported tier.
‘The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley’
The documentary landscape also features Alex Gibney’s The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, which provides a straightforward recounting of the Theranos story. Released in 2019, Gibney’s film presents a detailed examination of Holmes and her company, making it a fitting companion piece to You Can See Everything. The intense and compelling double feature would offer viewers deep insights into the controversial world of Silicon Valley startups.
Stream ‘The Inventor’ on HBO Max
The Inventor was released in 2019, and you can stream the film on HBO Max or the HBO Max add-on on Prime Video. The Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle will let you stream both The Inventor, The Dropout, and Nathan Fielder’s other shows.
‘Nathan For You’
In You Can See Everything, Nathan Fielder steps into the spotlight as more than just the director; he becomes a character alongside Holmes. He references his own show, Nathan For You, during the documentary, humorously questioning the rationale behind interviewing him. This original series showcased Fielder’s unique blend of comedy and documentary filmmaking, where he plays a fictionalized version of himself offering absurd yet creative solutions to small businesses.
Stream on Paramount+ or HBO Max
You can stream Nathan For You on HBO Max or Paramount+, which start at $10.99/mo. and $8.99/mo., respectively. However, Paramount+ does not have the episode “Summit Ice.”
‘The Rehearsal’
You Can See Everything employs extensive reenactments due to legal constraints, leading to some of the film’s most peculiar and intriguing moments. Similarly, Fielder’s comedy series, The Rehearsal, uses sets and actors to enable regular people to “rehearse” significant life situations, blending deeper commentary into the comedic framework.
Stream ‘The Rehearsal’ on HBO Max
The series was released on HBO and is streaming on HBO Max. If you’d prefer to avoid a new subscription, you can buy the entire series digitally on Prime Video.
